Pope Francis: Hindering Migrant Rescue at Sea is a "Gesture of Hatred"

Pope Francis stated today, Friday, that migrants facing drowning at sea "must be rescued," emphasizing that it is a "human duty" and that those who hinder rescue operations display a "gesture of hatred." The Pope made his remarks during a joint ceremony attended by followers of various religions, which included prayers at a memorial for those who died at sea. Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the Archbishop of Marseille and a French national born in Algeria, previously criticized politicians who prevent NGOs and their ships from rescuing the drowning. Some NGOs complain that governments are blocking some of their ships from leaving ports in the Mediterranean for what they consider unjustified reasons. Some organizations say their vessels are forced to dock at ports far from areas where migrant boats typically operate. Pope Francis is making a 27-hour visit to Marseille at the conclusion of meetings for youth and Catholic bishops from the Mediterranean region. He is scheduled to hold two meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron tomorrow, Saturday.